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Source: Valentine a finalist to be Nats manager
The Nationals have hired former Mets and Orioles manager Davey Johnson as a senior advisor and Bryan Minnitti, the Pirates' director of baseball operations, as Rizzo's assistant GM.
The Nats still plan to hire one more front office executive, but the managerial opening remains the team's largest piece of unfinished off-field business. Riggleman appears to be the favorite.
The Nationals went 33-42 under Riggleman last season after starting 26-61 under Manny Acta. Riggleman also would work for less pay than Valentine, and Nationals ownership is believed to prefer an inexpensive manager.
Valentine, however, would be a more dynamic choice, giving the team an instant identity in the D.C. market. He previously managed the Rangers and Mets, and has spent the past six years managing in Japan.
The Nats' biggest concern with Valentine is whether he can stomach losing as they go through their rebuilding process.
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